By Ibrahim Abdul’Aziz
The European Union Commission has doled-out 30 million Euros (six billion naira) to Adamawa and Kebbi state government to help reduce maternal mortality rates in the two states.
The EU had in May 2013 signed the contribution agreement with UNICEF in respect of the programme, “this event will facilitate the implementation of specific interventions in health in Adamawa,’’ said Mr Kazimierz Romanski, deputy head of the EU delegation to Nigeria.
Speaking in Yola, Romanski said that the grant will be used to rehabilitate health centers, provide medical equipment and train staff,as according to him, “The EU-MNCH project is designed to improve the health status of women and children through an enhanced
and sustainable primary health care delivery system.”
‘’The aim of the programme is to increase access to health facilities for marginalized women living in rural areas. Health personnel will be trained and health centres will receive adequate
equipment and supplies,’’ he said.
He commended the two states of Adamawa and Kebbi for their efforts in enhancing health care delivery. “These two states have demonstrated increased political and community commitment that has translated into increased fund allocation and prioritization of primary health care services.’’
In her remark, Dr Susan Ojomo, UNICEF Child Survival and Development Manager was emphatic that expected results include improved nutrition for women and children as well as better health services for mothers and new-born babies and the programme will be implemented by UNICEF.
She also spoke on the need for other states particularly in the north to emulate the two states towards ensuring good health care delivery.
While responding, the state ,Governor Murtala Nyako reiterated the government’s determination to improve the state’s heathcare delivery system.
Nyako represented by the state commissioner of Health Barr.Lilian Steven said that a lot had been recorded in the health care delivery, assuring that the government will redeem its commitment of N400,000,000 counterpart fund to achieve desired result.
